Welfare & Safeguarding

Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy

Safe • Fair • Fun

1. Safeguarding Policy Statement

Preston Pirates BMX Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who participate in our activities. We believe that every rider has the right to take part in BMX in a safe, fair and fun environment, free from abuse, bullying, neglect or harm.

We recognise our responsibility to act in line with British Cycling Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, relevant legislation including the Children Act 1989, The Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 and associated statutory guidance.

For the purposes of this policy, a child or young person is defined as anyone under the age of 18.

2. Key Principles

The welfare of the child is paramount
All children have the right to protection, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or background
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
All concerns will be taken seriously and responded to promptly
We will work in partnership with parents/carers, British Cycling and statutory agencies
Children and young people should feel listened to and respected
The club operates Codes of Conduct for coaches, volunteers, riders and parents, in line with British Cycling requirements

3. Objectives of the Policy

Preston Pirates BMX Club aims to:

Provide a safe and supportive environment for all riders
Prevent abuse, poor practice and bullying
Ensure concerns are reported and managed appropriately
Appoint and support a trained Club Welfare Officer (CWO)
Ensure safe recruitment, training and supervision of adults
Review safeguarding practice regularly

This policy will be reviewed every three years, or sooner if legislation or British Cycling guidance changes.

4. Mandatory Safeguarding Requirements

Preston Pirates BMX Club will:

Adopt and implement British Cycling safeguarding policies and procedures
Appoint a named Club Welfare Officer
Ensure the Club Welfare Officer holds a current DBS check through British Cycling
Ensure all adults in regulated activity (Coaching) hold an appropriate DBS check
Publicise Welfare Officer contact details to members
Follow British Cycling reporting procedures
Refer safeguarding concerns to the British Cycling Lead Safeguarding Officer

5. Recruitment and Training

5.1 Safer Recruitment
All roles involving responsibility for children will follow safer recruitment practices, including:

Application and role assessment
Self-disclosure
References where appropriate
DBS checks through British Cycling
Clear role descriptions

Anyone subject to investigation relating to children must inform the club immediately. The matter will be referred to British Cycling for advice.

5.2 Training

Safeguarding training will be provided appropriate to each role
Safeguarding training is mandatory for anyone in regulated activity
Training will be refreshed at least every three years

6. Complaints, Concerns and Allegations

6.1 Reporting Concerns

Any concern relating to:

The welfare of a child
Possible abuse or neglect
Poor practice
Bullying or harassment (including online)

must be reported immediately to the Club Welfare Officer.

If the concern involves the Club Welfare Officer, it must be reported directly to British Cycling or statutory agencies.

6.2 Responding to a Disclosure

If a child discloses abuse or raises a concern:

Stay calm and listen carefully
Reassure the child they have done the right thing
Do not promise confidentiality
Do not investigate or ask leading questions
Record what was said as soon as possible
Pass the information to the Welfare Officer immediately

Parents/carers will be informed unless doing so places the child at further risk.

6.3 Confidentiality and Records

Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis
Records will be stored securely
Information may be shared without consent where safeguarding requires it

7. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

All concerns will be recorded and referred to British Cycling within 24 hours if necessary
If necessary for immediate safeguarding concerns, statutory services will be informed
Temporary measures (e.g. suspension from activity) may be used as a neutral safeguarding action
British Cycling’s Case Management Group will advise on next steps
Statutory agencies will be involved where appropriate

8. Good Practice Guidelines

8.1 Supervision

Appropriate supervision ratios will be maintained
Risk assessments will be completed for sessions and events
Wherever possible, a minimum of two adults will be present
Parents/carers remain responsible for children outside supervised sessions

8.2 Behaviour and Physical Contact

Adults working with children are in positions of trust
Behaviour must be professional, respectful and appropriate
Physical contact must be necessary, proportionate and in the child’s best interests
Any physical contact should be open and observable
Unnecessary or inappropriate contact is not permitted

8.3 Transport

Parents/carers are responsible for transport to and from activities unless agreed in advance
Written parental consent is required for any club-arranged transport
Transport arrangements will be risk assessed

8.4 Social Media and Online Safety

Online communication must be professional and appropriate
Coaches and volunteers should not engage in private one-to-one messaging with children outside approved club channels
All online behaviour must reflect the club’s Safe • Fair • Fun values
Any online safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Welfare Officer

9. Anti-Bullying Policy

Preston Pirates BMX Club has zero tolerance for bullying.

Bullying may be:

Physical
Verbal
Emotional
Discriminatory
Online (cyberbullying)

Bullying behaviour will be addressed promptly and may result in disciplinary action in line with club and British Cycling procedures.

10. Children at Increased Risk

Preston Pirates BMX Club recognises that some children and young people may be at increased risk of harm, including:

Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Children with physical, sensory, learning or communication difficulties
Looked-after children or those with care experience
Children from minority ethnic backgrounds
LGBT+ children and young people
Children who have experienced trauma or abuse
Young athletes involved in talent or performance pathways

Children with SEND may face additional safeguarding challenges due to communication barriers, increased dependency, or difficulty recognising or reporting concerns.

The club will:

Work closely with parents/carers and the child to understand individual needs
Make reasonable adjustments to ensure activities are inclusive and safe
Ensure coaches and volunteers understand additional safeguarding needs
Put additional safeguards in place where required

11. Safeguarding Adults at Risk

Preston Pirates BMX Club recognises that safeguarding responsibilities may also extend to adults at risk who participate in our activities.

An adult at risk is a person aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation due to disability, illness, mental health needs, learning difficulties, age, or other vulnerabilities.

12. Poor Practice in Sport

Poor practice is behaviour that falls below expected standards but may not meet the threshold of abuse. This includes:

Swearing or inappropriate language in front of children
Favouritism or exclusion
Inadequate supervision
Ignoring safety guidance
Unprofessional behaviour

Poor practice will be challenged and may be escalated if repeated or serious.

13. Useful Contacts

Preston Pirates Welfare Mailbox
📧 welfareprestonpirates@gmail.com

British Cycling – Lead Safeguarding Officer
📞 0161 274 2000
📧 compliance@britishcycling.org.uk

NSPCC Helpline
📞 0808 800 5000

Childline (for children)
📞 0800 1111

Emergency Services
📞 999

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

Every three years
Following any significant safeguarding incident
When British Cycling guidance or legislation changes

Final Statement

Preston Pirates BMX Club is committed to creating a culture where all members feel safe, supported and empowered, and where safeguarding is embedded in everything we do.

Code of Conduct

Safe • Fair • Fun

Our Commitment

Preston Pirates BMX Club is committed to providing a Safe, Fair and Fun environment for all riders, parents/carers, coaches, volunteers and officials.

The welfare and safeguarding of our riders is our highest priority. Everyone involved in the club has a responsibility to uphold the standards set out in this Code of Conduct and to act in accordance with British Cycling’s Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policies, Regulations and Guidance.

This Code of Conduct applies at training sessions, races, events, travel, online spaces, and whenever individuals are representing Preston Pirates BMX Club.

Code of Conduct – Riders

As a rider at Preston Pirates BMX Club, I agree to:

Help create a Safe, Fair and Fun environment for everyone.
Arrive on time and ready for training and competition.
Wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment, including a helmet, as directed by coaches.
Warm up and cool down properly at every session.
Follow the rules and respect officials and their decisions.
Show good sportsmanship and applaud good performances by all riders.
Control my behaviour and language at all times.
Never bully, intimidate, provoke or abuse others.
Work hard for myself and my club.
Respect everyone regardless of gender, ability, disability, background or religion.
Ensure all fees are paid (by me or on my behalf).
Not smoke, vape, drink alcohol or use drugs while at the club or representing it.
Treat others as I expect to be treated.
Cooperate with coaches, teammates and opponents.
Remember that I represent Preston Pirates BMX Club at all times.
Thank officials, volunteers and opponents after events.

Code of Conduct – Parents / Carers

As a parent or carer, I agree to:

Support the club in maintaining a Safe, Fair and Fun environment.
Ensure that my child is supervised by an appropriate adult at all times when participating in sessions. For the purpose of this policy, a child is classed as any individual under the age of 18.
Inform the club of any medical conditions or additional needs in advance.
Notify coaches if my child is leaving early or being collected by someone else.
Encourage my child to learn the rules and race fairly.
Discourage arguing with officials and unfair behaviour.
Focus on effort, enjoyment and development rather than just results.
Set a positive example through my behaviour and language.
Never punish or criticise a child for mistakes or losing.
Publicly accept officials’ decisions and help children do the same.
Remember BMX is for my child’s enjoyment, not mine.
Support the removal of verbal, physical and online abuse from sport.
Respect the rights and dignity of all riders and families.
Show appreciation for coaches, officials and volunteers.
Follow instructions from coaches and officials without argument.
Remember that both my child and I represent the club at all times.

Code of Conduct – Coaches & Volunteers

Coaches and volunteers at Preston Pirates BMX Club are expected to:

Act in accordance with British Cycling’s Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policies and Regulations.
Promote a Safe, Fair and Fun environment at all times.
Act as positive role models.
Put rider welfare and safety first.
Treat all riders fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.
Create an inclusive, supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.
Never humiliate, intimidate or abuse riders.
Communicate clearly and respectfully with riders and parents/carers.
Follow club safeguarding policies and British Cycling guidance.
Raise concerns through the correct club channels.
Support rider development at an appropriate pace.

Behaviour Expectations

This Code of Conduct applies to all club activities, including training, racing, travel and online communication.
Any behaviour that undermines a Safe, Fair and Fun environment will not be tolerated.
Bullying, discrimination, harassment, aggressive or passive-aggressive behaviour is unacceptable.
Social media and messaging must be respectful and must not bring individuals or the club into disrepute.
Welfare and safeguarding concerns should be reported to the Club Welfare Team.

Preston Pirates Welfare Mailbox – Email : welfareprestonpirates@gmail.com

Disciplinary Action

Where behaviour does not align with the club’s Safe, Fair and Fun values, the following actions may be taken:

Verbal reminder of expectations
Formal written warning
Suspension from training and/or events
Termination of membership

Serious incidents, including threatening, abusive or violent behaviour, safeguarding breaches, or conduct bringing the sport into disrepute, may result in immediate suspension, referral to British Cycling, and involvement of statutory agencies where appropriate.

Preston Pirates BMX Club

March 2026